Short answer: Yes, most bathtubs in Austin homes can be replaced with a walk-in shower. The job usually involves removing the tub, checking and repairing what is behind it, setting a new shower pan and drain, waterproofing, tile and a glass enclosure. Smaller bathroom projects can be finished in as little as 5 business days, and larger remodels usually take no more than 6 weeks.
A tub-to-shower conversion is one of the most common requests we get at Renaissance Contracting. Here is what to think about before you start, so the new shower fits the way you use your bathroom.
Why Austin homeowners swap a tub for a shower
- Easier to get in and out. Stepping over a tub wall gets harder with age or injury. A low-threshold or curbless shower removes that step.
- The tub rarely gets used. In many primary bathrooms the tub collects dust while everyone showers.
- More usable space. A larger shower with a bench or built-in niche often makes better use of the same footprint.
- Easier cleaning. Fewer corners and a glass enclosure can be simpler to keep clean, especially with Austin’s hard water (see our tips on low-maintenance bathrooms for hard water).
Decisions to make before the tub comes out
1. Shower size and layout
The simplest conversion keeps the shower in the old tub’s footprint, usually about 5 feet wide. If you want a bigger shower, a bench or a separate tub elsewhere, the layout may change and plumbing may need to move. Moving drains and valves adds work, so it is worth deciding early.
2. Curb, low threshold or curbless
A standard curb is the most straightforward. A low-threshold or curbless (zero-entry) shower is easier to walk into and looks clean, but the floor and drain must be planned so water stays where it belongs. Whether that is practical depends on how your bathroom floor is built.
3. Waterproofing behind the tile
The part you will never see matters most. When an old tub comes out, we often find worn backer board or damage from years of small leaks. A new shower needs a properly built pan and a continuous waterproofing layer behind the tile so the walls and floor stay dry.
4. Glass, tile and fixtures
Most of the look comes from three choices: the glass enclosure (frameless, framed or a fixed panel), the wall and floor tile, and the shower valve and head. Built-in niches give you storage without a caddy. Grab bars and a handheld shower are easy to add now and help everyone, not just older family members.
5. One tub in the house, or none?
If you have young children or regularly bathe a pet, you may want to keep a tub in another bathroom. Many homeowners convert the primary bath to a walk-in shower and leave a tub in a hall or guest bath.
What the process looks like
- Free in-home estimate. We look at your bathroom, talk about how you use it and check for things that affect the plan.
- Design and selections. Layout, tile, glass and fixtures that fit your budget.
- Written, itemized price. You know what is included before we start. If the work needs blueprints or a permit, we handle them.
- Demolition and prep. The tub comes out and we fix anything we find behind it.
- Shower pan, waterproofing and tile. The core of the job. One project manager keeps it on schedule and keeps you updated.
- Glass, fixtures and final walkthrough. We don’t call it done until you’re happy.
How much will it cost?
The price depends on the size of the shower, whether plumbing moves, your tile and glass and the condition of what is behind the old tub. For reference, small bathroom upgrades start as low as $5,000 and full bathroom remodels typically start around $25,000. After we see your bathroom, you get a written, itemized estimate.
Tub-to-shower conversion FAQ
Can you convert a tub to a walk-in shower in one day?
Not the kind of conversion we do. Removing the tub, fixing whatever is behind the old walls, setting the shower pan, waterproofing, tiling and installing glass all take time, and some steps need to cure before the next one starts. Smaller bathroom projects can be done in as little as 5 business days; larger remodels usually take no more than 6 weeks.
Do I need a permit to turn my tub into a shower in Austin?
It depends on the scope. Swapping finishes in place is different from moving a drain, changing the plumbing or touching electrical. When a project needs blueprints or a permit, we take care of them and handle permit expediting for you.
Should I keep at least one bathtub in the house?
Many families like having one tub for bathing small children, and some buyers look for one. If your home has another bathroom with a tub, converting the primary bath to a walk-in shower is a common choice. We are happy to talk through what makes sense for your household.
Can a walk-in shower be curbless?
Often, yes. Curbless and low-threshold showers need the floor and drain planned so water stays in the shower, which is easier in some homes than others. We will look at your bathroom and tell you what is practical.
How much does a tub-to-shower conversion cost?
It depends on the size of the shower, whether plumbing moves, the tile and glass you choose and what we find behind the old tub. Small bathroom upgrades start as low as $5,000 and full bathroom remodels typically start around $25,000. After a free visit we give you a written, itemized estimate.
Ready to trade your tub for a walk-in shower?
Renaissance Contracting has been remodeling bathrooms in Austin and nearby cities, including Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Georgetown and Pflugerville, since 2006. See more on our bathroom remodeling page or browse our bathroom remodel portfolio.
Call (512) 691-9047 or send us a message to schedule your free estimate.
